In the vast landscape of mountains, hills, and valleys, the cavalry of one thousand and several carriages were traveling with vigilance while enjoying the summer and nature's beauty at the same time.
The glorious convoy was of course Li Yan, Shijie, and their escorts. It had been a month since they left the Wang Clan to return to their homeland and reunite with Li Junwei at last.
While the scenery during the journey had been stunning, the journey was not one of comfort and ease.
Traveling in the carriage was boring and uncomfortable. As they rode through the winding roads and steep paths, the wheels of the carriages rattled against the rocky ground, causing an uncomfortable jolt with each bump. Li Yan and Shijie, who were seated inside the carriage, felt every bump and jolt acutely. The hot summer air was stuffy inside the carriage, and there was no respite from the constant jostling.
The journey was long and arduous, and it was not just the physical discomfort that made it difficult. Li Yan was plagued by worries and doubts about the condition that she might find her home in. However, that was a more distant worry. Currently, Li Yan was very concerned about the troubles or dangers that may arise in the journey ahead.
Her worries weren't unfounded as the journey wasn't only uncomfortable but also dangerous. In the wilderness, there lurked infamous bandits and impossible river crossings.
The convoy was so far unbothered only because of the intimidating force of soldiers and knights that guarded the carriages day and night with the utmost caution and sternness.
As they traveled further into the mountains, Li Yan noticed that the landscape was changing. The mountains were becoming steeper and the trees thicker, providing shade from the hot sun. The air was cooler and more refreshing, and Li Yan began to feel a sense of peace and tranquility that she had not felt in a long time.
She looked out of the carriage window and saw a breathtaking view of the mountains and valleys below. The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape. At that moment, Li Yan realized that he was exactly where he was meant to be.
"Shijie," she said softly, "look at this view. It's incredible."
Shijie peered out of the window and gasped. "It's beautiful," he blurted in awe, a smile spreading across his face.
Despite the uncomfortable and tiresome journey, Shijie hadn't complained even once. Instead, he was enjoying the new scenery and feeling the change of air to it's fullest.
As the carriage was progressing on its path toward the Li Province, Shijie could sense the change in his surroundings. The air was different, the fleeing plants and even the birds chirping around them were different.
The scenery and the surroundings were just like Li Yan had described in her stories and Shijie was etching every scene, sound, and touch in his memory.
In the past month, the convoy had stopped near settlements and villages to take breaks and so Shijie had also been seeing a lot of humans.
Much like the surroundings, the people were also different from what he had seen in the Purple Lotus City.
Their clothing, skin color, way of speaking, and demeanor. He noticed that people were a lot more burly and of the sturdy physique as the carriage traveled.
As there was good, there was also bad. The effects of the war were clearly visible in some places as the atmosphere seemed a lot more gloomy and intense in those areas.
There was much to observe and so Shijie was totally occupied with seeing the new surroundings and experiencing new things. So much so that he had almost forgotten the Purple Lotus City.
The carriage and the cavalry were traveling as usual at a slow pace so that the journey wouldn't be too strenuous. But even so, the horses were getting tired out as it had been a lot of time since they had taken a break.
Old Huo and Fan Weijin who were leading the group shot each other a glance hitting that it was now time to take a break. Fan Weijin then raised his arm and several horsemen came forward.
"Go ahead and scout for a resting place." Fan Weijin ordered.
The scouts nodded and jolted their horse reins, galloping onwards in search of a good spot.
Meanwhile, Old Huo got closer to the carriage as he rode side by side with it. Sensing his presence by the carriage, Li Yan slid the curtains.
"My Lady, we will take a break soon. The journey is still quite long. If you need anything, then do say so." Old Huo said.
"I see, I will ask if there is any need for something." Li Yan responded and closed the curtains once again.
At this point, Shijie who was sitting on the other window seat exclaimed, "Mother, see! So many trees!"
Li Yan moved to the other side window and peeked outside curiously and saw that the trees were getting denser. It seemed like they were going to pass through a forest.
Seeing this, Li Yan pulled Shijie back as she closed the curtains and said, "The forest will start soon. It may be dangerous."
Shijie resisted in reluctance as he just wanted to look outside and watch the fleeing scenery. But then seeing his mother's stern gaze, he gave in.
Feeling bored, he grunted, "Tell me a story!"
"Oh? Hmm… Let's see…" Li Yan muttered as she pondered which story to tell.
Then a moment later she opened her mouth to speak.
"Once upon a time, there was an adventurer-"
"No! Not that one!" Shijie grunted.
"Oh… Then…"
"The Tale of The Drag-" Li Yan spoke but was once again interrupted as Shijie said, "No No!"
Li Yan frowned in annoyance and said, "Then which one?"
Excitedly, Shijie exclaimed, "The Heavenly Emperor!"
Hearing this, Li Yan simply watched his expression of fervor for a moment and then sighed and began talking the tale that she was repeating a hundred times.